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  • About
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August 1, 2021

The Best Red Wines of Summer: Cultivar’s New Releases

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  • Under : Wine

At Cultivar Wine, we’re driven to create the very best, small-batch, hand-crafted wines from the premier growing regions throughout the state. It’s our mission and our passion. So when we come up with something really special, we are thrilled to share it with you. That’s why this summer is so exciting. We’ve produced four extraordinary red wines that not only reflect the uniqueness of the vineyards they come from but are perfect for summer drinking.

2019 Pinot Noir, Russian River, Sonoma

If you’ve been drinking Cultivar Wine for a while now, you know that Pinot Noir is a recent obsession for us. We released our first Russian River Pinot Noir with the 2018 vintage, and are more excited than ever to offer our new 2019 vintage. Sourced from the same sustainably farmed vineyard as the 2018, this Pinot swirls with aromas of cherry, mushroom, earth, cola, mint, and eucalyptus. Subtlety is the key here, with raspberry, strawberry, and pomegranate gently flowing across the palette. The wine’s youth is reflected in the caramel notes of the oak, but the soft and lingering tannins through the finish tell you this wine is ready to be one of the best red wines of summer.

Bottle of Cultivar 2019 Russian River Pinot Noir

Pair this wine with grilled salmon, lamb chops with rosemary, and all your favorite summer salads. Light pasta dishes with Roma tomatoes, capers and olive oil are perfect with this Pinot as well. 2019 will be remembered as a season where the threat of frost during spring held the grapes back a bit. But that only created a lighter sugar content and a brighter acid profile, making this Russian River Pinot Noir versatile and delicious.

2015 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, Mendocino

Did we mention we’re currently obsessed with Pinot Noir? This is another little gem you can’t resist. The wine shows the hallmarks of great Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, with equal parts lushness and beauty. Located about 100 miles north of San Francisco in Mendocino County, Anderson Valley is blessed with cool marine air, steep hills, and nearly-level alluvial terraces. This micro-climate and soil create perfect growing conditions for the thin-skinned pinot noir grape.

Bottle of Cultivar 2015 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

The first thing you notice about this Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is its distinct, pale ruby hue. The intensity it brings on the nose is mesmerizing. Waves of black peppercorns and stewed plums that swirl with classic mushroom and forest aromas. Each sip reveals subtle yet complex layers of Rainer cherries, mulled wine spices, cherry pie, anise, and dates. The finish is defined by a vivid acid that tells you this wine is made to pair with dishes like flatbread pizza with caramelized onion & ham, teriyaki salmon, herbed meatballs, and truffled pasta with seasonal vegetables like zucchini & tomatoes harvested straight from your garden. We recommend you decant this bottle or use an aerator to discover even greater complexity.

2018 Zinfandel, Calistoga, Napa Valley

Our first bottling of Zinfandel,  Calistoga, the further-most appellation in Napa Valley, has long been prime Cabernet country. But we’ve always believed that the volcanic soil and often extreme temperature variations are perfect for Zinfandel. With a deep ruby color that borders on Blood Orange, our Zinfandel explodes with blueberry, muddled raspberry, chocolate, and lavender. It’s big fruit with a medium body and low viscosity. On the finish, the signature white pepper lingers, supported by delicate tannins and balanced acid.

Bottle of Cultivar 2018 Zinfandel

Better still, 2018 was a near-perfect growing season that saw ideal weather conditions throughout the Calistoga AVA. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but still created plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun by day and cool marine influences by night, with virtually no major heat spikes. This was followed by extended fall sunshine that created ideal conditions that allowed the fruit to accumulate flavor complexity. Enjoy this wine with grilled burgers, salmon, mushroom risotto, or a creamy corn dish.

This 2018 Calistoga Zinfandel is another reason it’s great to be a member of the Cultivar Wine Club. We only made enough for our club members to enjoy, and quantities are extremely limited!

2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa Valley

Coombsville, the last appellation in Napa Valley to get its designation, is one of the most diverse AVAs in all the valley. A combination of both hillside and valley vineyards, the area has the unique combination of gravel soil, high temperatures, and a constant breeze off of San Pablo Bay. This brings a power and intensity to the Cabernets grown there that is unlike any other from Napa.

Bottle of Cultivar 2017 Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon

Our Coombsville Cabernet greets the nose with strawberry, dried roses, cardamom, and that signature gravel minerality. Soft and complex layers of plum, boysenberry, and licorice mingle with leather and tar on the mid-palate. This is followed by a lingering finish of subtle oak and fine tannins. 18 months in barrel and another two years in the bottle have softened this wine up beautifully. It’s light enough to sip on its own, yet bold enough to stand up to lamb stew or marinated tri-tip. Another five years in the bottle will reveal even deeper complexity.

If you’ve been looking for the best red wines of summer, look no further. Available at Cultivar SF by the glass or bottle Pick up a few of your favorites, or get a case and save an extra 10%. Let us know if you would like us to cold-pack your shipping!

Cheers!


July 20, 2021

Is Cabernet The Best Red Wine For Summer?

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Here’s a scenario that isn’t hard to picture: it’s hot outside, the day is long, and you’re thinking about that glass of wine you’ll have when work is done. With summertime heat blazing on you, is a deep, rich glass of Cabernet Sauvignon the best choice? Do you really want a glass of red wine on a hot summer day?

We say yes. And we know a lot of you do, too.

According to a recent YouGov study, red wine is the most popular among wine-drinking adults at 69%. And of the most popular varietals of red wine, it’s almost a tie, with Cabernet Sauvignon running neck-and-neck with Merlot at 18% and 19% respectively. Pinot Noir and Zinfandel also tie for second place, at 12% each. Moreover, this study included year-around drinking habits as well, demonstrating that Cabernet remains King. Even in the summer. So if you’re looking for the best way to enjoy Cabernet for the summer—and the best Cabs you can buy for the summer—we’ve got you covered.

Summer Red Wine Is Chill

You may also be surprised to learn that more than 36% of all red wine lovers enjoy their reds chilled. Indeed, collectors know that red wine ages best in a temperature-controlled environment, typically between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is not only best for storage, but for drinking. According to Wine Director Paola Embry of Christopher’s Restaurant, “a wine served above 66 degrees will have an impact on the overall structure of the wine such as acid, alcohol, and flavors. It will soften the structure of the wine, and the alcohol becomes significantly more noticeable.” This changes when the wine is chilled down to 55 to 60 degrees. “The flavors will become focused, the alcohol will not be as evident, and the structure will be tighter.”

This focus as a result of chilling wine is most evident in our 2018 Cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley. A valley-floor Cabernet from a warmer-than-usual growing season. As such, a slightly lower temperature helps to bring out subtleties that may be masked by alcohol during the wine’s younger years.

Bottle of Cultivar 2018 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

Older Is Better For Summer Cabernets

Another characteristic that makes Cabernet the best red wine for summer is bottle aging. Aging allows wine to coalesce and become more balanced and integrated. For Cabernets, this results in a softening of the wine, especially with the tannins. Tannins are astringent compounds derived from both the grape and the oak barrel in which the wine is aged. Given time, these compounds soften, which allows different aromas and flavors to emerge.

At Cultivar Wine, we often allow our Cabernets to age in bottle for several years before we release them. Our 2016 Leaky Lake Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a great example of this. With two years in the barrel and now another three years in the bottle, this wine is a marriage between boldness and finesse. The same holds true for our Caspar Estate wines. Our Caspar Estate library contains smooth, elegant vintages dating all the way back to 2008.

Another fun way to enjoy a beautifully aged Cabernets from Cultivar Wine is with a large format bottle, like a Magnum, Double Magnum, or even bigger. Large bottles are made with thicker, heavier glass, which helps protect wine from its worst enemies: heat, light, and travel-related vibrations. They’re also perfect for parties and backyard barbecues, like your upcoming 4th of July celebration.

Two bottles and two bottles of Cultivar wine

Food & Wine: The Best Thing About Red Wine For Summer

Perhaps the most obvious reason why Cabernet is the perfect summer red wine of choice is that summer is grilling season. Whether it’s 4th of July, Memorial Day, or just a Tuesday night in August, summer means steaks, fish, and veggies on the grill. Cabernet is the perfect pairing for ribeyes, lamb chops, pork loin, and even salmon. Love sauces like chimichurri? Love a good Korean BBQ glaze? That means it’s Cabernet time.

Here’s one of our favorite recipes for The Perfect Grilled Hamburger. The technique here is what makes this recipe incredible. And if it’s grilled, of course, it comes from Bobby Flay!

Cheers!

Burger


July 6, 2021

Wine Critics Award Accolades to Caspar Estate and Cultivar Wine

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In just the last few months, Cultivar Wine and Caspar Estate have captured the attention of an impressive array of wine critics and competitions alike.

Wine Enthusiast Critic Virginie Boone Raves For Caspar Estate

In the June 2021 issue of Wine Enthusiast, veteran wine critic Virginie Boone awarded 92 Points to the 2016 Caspar Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Calling it “a robustly intense and brooding wine,” Ms. Boone recognized the complex characteristics of our Estate Cabernet in her review.

Wine Enthusiast - 92 Points

But this isn’t the first time we’ve been recognized by Wine Enthusiast. The respected wine journal also awarded Cultivar Wine’s 2019 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir with 90 Points and both the 2018 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet with 91 Points. Caspar Estate has recently had other Enthusiast recognitions as well. Our 2019 Estate Sauvignon Blanc was also awarded 91 Points by Ms. Boone.

Sommeliers Choice Awards: The Wine Critics of All Wine Critics

There are hundreds of wine competitions nationwide each year, and many international ones as well. One of our favorite wine competitions is the Sommeliers Choice Awards. The judging panel consists entirely of top sommeliers, on-premise wine buyers, and wine directors at U.S. restaurants. These are the influencers and taste-makers of the wine world, so their opinion means a lot.

In 2021, the Cultivar Wine 2020 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc was awarded 91 Points and a Gold Medal at the Sommeliers Choice Awards.

Cultivar Wine points awarded at Sommeliers Choice Awards

Tasting Panel Magazine: Wine Critics & Tastemakers

Another magazine that’s widely respected throughout the wine industry is Tasting Panel. In the June 2021 edition,  Jody Harris and Gingy Gable were profiled for their experience in dealing with the pandemic from both an on-premise and off-premise perspective. As owners of a winery and a restaurant (Cultivar SF), they have a unique insight into how customer attitudes and habits changed during COVID. The feature in Tasting Panel offers an interesting perspective on what will happen to fine dining as well as wine consumption now that restrictions are being lifted.

You can read the full article here.

The Best Critic Is Always You

At Cultivar Wine and Caspar Estate, we know that the critic we want to please the most is you, our valued customer. We appreciate how our customers have followed us vintage after vintage, taking the time to experience the characteristics each new season brings to our wine. Thanks for being part of the family!


June 28, 2021

The Leaky Lake Vineyard: A Decade of Cabernet Excellence

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Nestled 1,000 feet up in the hills above Napa Valley, is an extraordinary 3.5-acre plot of land known as the Leaky Lake Vineyard. Framed by a small but picturesque lake, this vineyard has been producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes the Napa Valley has to offer. So fine, in fact, that Cultivar Wine has sourced this vineyard exclusively for the past decade for our only single-vineyard designate wine: The Cultivar Wine Leaky Lake Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley.

What makes this vineyard so special? Like most of the terroir in Napa Valley, it’s a combination of the soil, the weather, and even the people.

Leaky Lake Vineyard Terroir

To say that the Leaky Lake Vineyard produces “mountain fruit” would be an understatement. It takes a long trip up a winding, mountain road—often with just one lane—just to reach the vineyard. Once there, you’re greeted by 3.5 acres of slopes, swales, and hills, all covered with gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon fruit.

Leaky Lake Vineyard

The soil is a rugged mix of clay loam and iron deposits, a direct result of the tectonic forces that created the Mayacamas Mountain range. Part of the plot faces directly west, which means it gets direct sunlight for a good portion of the day. The north-facing portion of the vineyard is subject to the cool winds that blow across the mountaintop at night.

Farming Cabernet Sauvignon at The Leaky Lake Vineyard

Leaky Lake was originally planted decades ago. It’s a small vineyard that’s just up the hill from Caspar Estate.

Harvesting grapes at Leaky Lake Vineyard

Cultivar Wine has been farming this land since 2007, when we replanted the vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon from clone 191 and 337, which is known for good set along with small berry and cluster size. This clone was grafted to rootstock 101-14, which thrives in rocky conditions where water can be scarce. We have been using purely organic farming methods and techniques from the very beginning. The result is bold, powerful, and concentrated fruit, grown in a way that’s uniquely Cultivar. It’s the perfect fruit for Cabernet lovers who appreciate a sense of terroir and want to experience the development of a wine as it ages. And in order to bring out that quality the best we can, we turned to an expert winemaker.

Julien Fayard Brings Bordeaux Finesse to Napa

You may already know that Julien Fayard, one of the most renowned winemakers in Napa Valley, is the genius behind our Caspar Estate wines. But when Julien got a look at the Leaky Lake Vineyard and sampled the unique fruit we grow there, he wanted to be a part of the project.

“The cabernet we grow there is extraordinary,” Fayard says. “I saw it rivals any of the mountain appellations in Napa—Howell Mountain or Diamond Peak—for boldness and character.”

Winemaker Julien Fayard

Fayard presses whole clusters of fruit for Cultivar’s Leaky Lake Cabernet Sauvignon. He then transfers to 100% French oak for at least 24 months before bottling. “Even then, it’s good to allow the wine to develop in the bottle for another two years, just to bring out the aromatics,” Fayard says.

This is one reason why the 2016 Leaky Lake Cabernet is our newest release. And at a mere 90 cases, it’s one of our most limited releases as well.

Cabernet For Summer? Definitely Yes

You typically don’t think about lush, opulent Cabernets when it comes to summertime wines. But you should! Our idea of a great summer weekend is rib eyes and roasted vegetables on the grill. If you’re the same, then you need a powerful Cabernet Sauvignon to complement that.

In fact, we typically release our Leaky Lake Cabernet just in time for summer, because that’s when grilling season reaches its peak. “Seared meats are especially wonderful with this wine,” says Fayard.

The Leaky Lake Vineyard is one of those small-lot vineyards that make Napa so special. It has its own unique character—a character that we have had a hand in creating. It’s no wonder why Cultivar Wine has been using this vineyard exclusively to produce our only vineyard-designate wine. We invite you to try the Leaky Lake Cabernet Sauvignon and taste for yourself!

Bottle of Cultivar wine, a glass, and a decanter


June 1, 2021

Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc: A Perfect Marriage of Climate and Varietal

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Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most iconic wines you can find. It’s no surprise it’s the 8th most popular varietal in the world. Moreover, it’s one of the Top 5 wines to come out of Napa Valley. It’s also one of the five designated white varietals of Bordeaux. Bordeaux is the region in France that some say most closely mirrors the terroir of Napa. And yes, Sauvignon Blanc can be as popular—and expensive—as its red-based Bordeaux brother. A bottle of Chateau Haut-Brion Blanc can easily fetch up to $1,000.

This begs the question: who does it better? Is Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc closest to the true expression of the varietal? Or does the French style take that honor? At Cultivar Wine and Caspar Estate, we’re huge fans of this light, crisp, grassy-yet-tropical wine, and the “who does it best” question is one we take seriously.

Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc From Above The Rutherford Hills

Caspar Estate is our 13-acre vineyard located in the hills above the Rutherford appellation in Napa Valley. Planted 600 feet above the fog line with an exposure 20 degrees off north, the vineyard sees sun from early morning until late afternoon. This ensures even ripeness of the grapes. Furthermore, cool nights help to develop firm tannins and fresh acidity creating remarkable structure and balance in the finished wines. Our rocky serpentine soils benefit from a mineral deposit rich in iron and magnesium. This distinctive mineral deposit provides layers of complexity and flavor to wines unique to our site.

Our House Block North is where we planted just one acre of Sauvignon Blanc back in 2015. That’s right, just one acre, which yields enough grapes to make around 90 cases of our Estate Sauvignon Blanc. We could have planted more acreage, but the soil, sun exposure, and drainage of this one block were better suited for SB than the other blocks. As a family vineyard, we aim to listen to what the land has to tell us.

We also trust our winemaker to best utilize what the land has to offer—and we’ve got one of the best winemakers in the business.

Caspar Estate Vineyard

Winemaker Julien Fayard: Caspar Estate’s Ace In The Hole

With such a small yield of grapes from one acre of Sauvignon Blanc, it’s important that our winemaker is absolutely top-notch. That’s why we enlisted Julien Fayard, one of the most respected winemakers in Napa Valley. We also chose Julien because of his Bordeaux roots.

Julien Fayard gained his knowledge and defined his core winemaking style by working at grand Chateaux in France such as Lafite Rothschild and Smith Haut Laffite. Julien worked alongside renowned winemaker Philippe Melka here in Napa, which helped to hone his skills. His philosophy is to produce wines that express pure, terroir-driven specificities and characteristics. He believes that as a winemaker, one doesn’t control the wine but rather wine style is the result of a combination of soil, climate, and vineyard management.

“As a winemaker, my job is to bring out the best qualities that the vines have provided,” says Fayard. “I don’t seek to make a style of wine but more so to make wine that sings of its place, its history, and its uniqueness. That’s my goal as a winemaker, to make wines that are pure expressions of their environment and not mask it. Wines with an identity.”

This identity is truly expressed in the recent release of the 2020 Caspar Estate Sauvignon Blanc. Available exclusively to our allocation members, Our new release of Estate Sauvignon Blanc greets the nose with Herbes de Provence, fresh-cut grass, and tangy kiwi, while the steel-tank fermentation brings forward classic notes of grapefruit, flint, and wet gravel. A touch of new oak creates a lush, tropical fruit creaminess on the finish.

Attend a Free Virtual Wine Tasting with Julien Fayard On June 8th, 2021

Want to learn more? Caspar Estate is proud to present a Virtual Wine Tasting with Julien Fayard on June 8th at 4PM EST. Hosted by Caspar Estate’s Hospitality Manager Deborah Evans, you’ll get an opportunity to learn more about Julien’s thoughts on winemaking and the unique terroir of Caspar Estate. Sign-up is free, even if you’re not currently an allocation member.

Winemaker Julien Fayard holding a glass of wine

Cultivar Wine Brings Value To Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Our love for Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t stop with our Estate wines. Each year, Cultivar Wine produces a Sauvignon Blanc just in time for spring and summer. This wine is sourced from some of our favorite vineyard plots from around the valley. We believe it’s a delicious reflection of small-lot production in Napa—a kind of “mirror” into the vintage. The 2020 Cultivar Wine Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc is no exception to this. The 2020 season will be remembered as historic. In Napa, a warm, dry winter didn’t give way to rain and cold weather until the end of March. The mild spring season gave us a great early start, while summer brought very cool mornings and very warm days. While the 2020 Napa Valley harvest proved to have its challenges, it is not without the hints of brilliance that define this magical area.

Bottle of Cultivar wine with flowers around it

Sunshine and a warm, golden-straw color jump from the glass, while the heady scent of Meyer lemon, orange blossom, and pineapple swirl in unison. Each sip reveals lux layers of tropical fruit, green apple, and key lime. The creamy texture and surprisingly long finish will leave you wanting more. Cook up some Cioppino, order some dim-sum, or get some sushi to go, and pair with this wine with friends. And at only $21 a bottle for Cultivar Wine Club Members, it’s one of the best values you will find for Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

So, in which terroir does Sauvignon Blanc find its best expression? Is it Napa Valley, Bordeaux, or some other region? Sure, we have our bias for Napa Valley (and some honest claims to back it up!), but perhaps the best way to find out is this: taste the wines yourself and decide! The journey is half the fun.


May 15, 2021

Is It Rosé Season Yet?

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Is there an “official” start to Rosé Season? Rosé is made from the runoff juice of the first pressing of grapes harvested between September and October. Therefore, most wineries are ready to release their rosé between March and April. Though releases can continue into the summer—also the peak time for rosé drinking—rosé rarely requires more than four or five months before bottling.

Such is the case for the 2020 Cultivar Wine Napa Valley Rosé, which we bottled on April 1st. Our new rosé came out looking like springtime in a glass. On the nose, you’re greeted with floral aromas of dried roses, peonies, wild strawberry, and pink grapefruit. Crisp, dry flavors of tangy orange, watermelon, and a lingering savory herb finish give this wine an amazing character. Rosé season is here, and it’s time to celebrate!

Bottling The Cultivar Wine Napa Valley Rosé

Before Rosé Season can kick-off, we have to bottle it first! If you’ve never had the chance to watch the bottling process, it’s really something to behold. Since the wine is stored in giant steel tanks (some of which have a capacity of several hundred gallons), the wine doesn’t go to the bottling line: the bottling line comes to the wine.

Traveling bottle truck

Here you can see the trailer that houses the entire mobile bottling facility. The trailer is backed up to the winery, where hoses are run from the tanks inside. The pallets in the foreground are stacked with cases containing empty bottles. These bottles are placed on a conveyor belt, and the machines inside the trailer do the rest.

The bottles are blown clean with compressed air, then filled with wine, corked, capsuled, and labeled. Once finished, the bottles are loaded by hand back into their cases and pushed down a ramp to the loading dock. There, the cases are stacked back onto pallets and ready for transport.

Rosé Season Starts In The Vineyard

Julien Fayard, whose winemaking craftsmanship was recently featured in the Robb Report, created our Napa Valley Rosé from select lots of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemakers are skilled at taking Mother Nature’s interruptions in stride, and 2020 certainly had a few twists and turns. Julien Fayard’s genius is apparent with every sip of this rosé, which strikes a perfect balance between subtlety of style and signature Napa Valley boldness.

The bottling crew

Julien Fayard (left) with Gingy Gable (center) and the bottling crew

The 2020 season will be remembered as historic. In Napa, a warm, dry winter didn’t give way to rain and cold weather until the end of March. The mild spring season gave us a great early start, while summer brought very cool mornings and very warm days. While the 2020 Napa Valley harvest proved to have its challenges, it is not without the hints of brilliance that define this magical area. The story of this vintage will continue to unfold over the years to come.

At Cultivar Wine, our official start to the Rosé Season starts on April 15th, when our wine club members get the first allocation of the 2020 Napa Valley Rosé. Following that, the remaining bottles go on sale to the public through our website. You can also come down to Cultivar SF, our farm-to-table restaurant in the Marina District of San Francisco, and enjoy a glass.

Cheers!


April 30, 2021

Oakville Chardonnay: It Must Be Springtime

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Each year, when we release our new Cultivar Wine Oakville Chardonnay, it means spring has come to Napa Valley. Winter is finally behind us. The vines have woken from their long slumber and are showing the first signs of bud break. The mustard plants burst with sunlight-yellow flowers between the rows of the vineyards. The days are longer, the sunsets more intense. Spring is also when warm breezes hit the cool waters of San Pablo Bay to create the signature fog of northern California.

Though there are over 50 wineries in the Oakville AVA, only a handful of them produce chardonnay. Oakville is typically best known for its cabernet sauvignon. Nonetheless, we keep returning to this magical piece of Napa Valley terroir for our chardonnay year after year.

Why? Because a river runs through it.

Bud break at Caspar Estate in Napa

Bud Break at Caspar Estate in Napa

The Oakville Secret: An Ancient Riverbed

Or at least, a river ran through it. Oakville lies directly atop the ancient riverbed that helped form the Napa Valley. The soil of the Oakville AVA is the result of sedimentary deposits from the mountains that surround the valley. The soil is gravelly and sandy, with exceptionally good drainage. The portion of the AVA between Route 29 and the Silverado Trail is a mix of clay and well-drained sandy loam.

This ancient riverbed soil gives our Oakville chardonnay a signature minerality and salinity. We love this flavor profile in our chardonnay, as it adds a crispness and acidity to the wine that isn’t always typical to Napa chardonnay. But to us, it says “springtime.”

Mother Nature Makes the Grapes, Julien Fayard Makes The Wine

A couple of tons of amazing grapes is only the beginning. It takes a winemaker of experience, skill, and craftsmanship to coax the right flavors out of those grapes. At Cultivar Wine, we’re fortunate to have a Napa legend in the making, Julien Fayard, as our winemaker. Originally from Provence, Julien produces varietals from some of the best wine appellations with French finesse. Formerly of Chateau Lafite Rothschild, he brings over two decades of winemaking expertise to Cultivar Wine.

Recently, Julien’s winemaking prowess caught the attention of The Robb Report, the world’s preeminent magazine on luxury living. You can find their feature story on him here.

Mother’s Day, Easter, and Oakville Chardonnay

Spring is a season of rebirth and renewal. We not only celebrate Easter with the coming of spring, but one of our personal favorite holidays: Mother’s Day! If you’re planning an Easter dinner, or a Mother’s Day celebration, nothing quite pairs with a variety of dishes than our 2019 Oakville Chardonnay. The bright acid and lush flavors make it perfect for lunch, brunch, dinner, or just hanging out and sipping during a warm spring or summer afternoon. Cheers!

Bottle of wine in a field of poppies


April 2, 2021

What Makes Oakville Cabernet One Of Napa’s Best Terroir Wines?

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Though all of Napa is known for its Cabernet magic, Oakville is one of those special sub-appellations where Cabernet is something really special. When we searched for Cabernet Sauvignon for our 2018 releases, we knew we wanted fruit sourced from this unique appellation. Not just for what happened in the region during the 2018 growing season, but because of a reputation cultivated throughout the decades.

And we’re not the only ones looking for that magic. Oakville is home to the legendary Robert Mondavi Winery. There’s also, Far Niente, Cardinale, and even the iconic Opus One. The truth is, Oakville is home to some of the most iconic Cabernet Sauvignon produced in Napa Valley. Let’s take a look at why this region creates some of the most sought-after terroir wines in California, and how Cultivar Wine’s 2018 Oakville Cabernet sits alongside some prestigious names.

Where Is Oakville?

Oakville sits right in the center of Napa Valley. It covers a two-square-mile swath of the valley floor and then slopes up another 500 feet into Mayacamas bench and 1,000 feet up the Vaca Mountains to the east.

Map of Oakville

Map courtesy of the Oakville Winegrowers

There are three types of soils that define the Oakville appellation. The breakdown of the various bedrock plates creates residual soils in the hills. Along the margins of the valley, distinct alluvial soils form on the fans composed of material washed down from the adjoining hills during torrential rain events. Along the axial part of the valley where the Napa River flows are fluvial soils, finer-grained loam coming from upstream locations and deposited from floodwaters.

Oakville’s History of Cabernet

General Mariano Vallejo awarded Napa founding father George Yount a nearly 12,000-acre land grant in 1836, which extended all the way into what is now Oakville. Yount then became the first man to plant grapes in Napa Valley, in what would later be his namesake appellation, Yountville. In 1877, Charles Hopper planted grapes on a section of the northern area of the land grant that he had purchased for his daughter, Missouri. Today, the Beckstoffer family owns the Missouri Hopper Vineyard. It is one of the most sought-after vineyards in the valley. Another Oakville vineyard with a world-famous reputation is To Kalon. Hamilton Crabb plated the vineyard in 1868, and Robert Mondavi purchased the site a century later for his winery. As you can see, Oakville Cabernet has a long and rich history.

The 2018 Growing Season in Oakville

February saw abundant rains in 2018, followed by lots of filtered light in spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually uninterrupted by major heat spikes. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near-ideal growing conditions. This allowed winemakers to let their fruit accumulate flavor complexity with gradual increases in sugar levels. Harvest levels were up 20-30% over average crop quantity.

Vineyard in Oakville

Oakville: The Source of Cultivar Wine’s 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

Is it any wonder that we sourced our 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from this incredible wine-growing region? As with all of our fruit sources, we have built relationships with regional growers, and Oakville is one of our favorites. We source fruit from a family-run vineyard located directly on the valley floor. They have a long legacy in Oakville and produce only 1,000 cases on their own. Lucky winemakers like us get the rest of the fruit. That said, we only got our hands on enough to make about 80 cases.

Our delicious Cabernet expresses both the characteristics of the 2018 Oakville vintage and the personality of its valley floor location. The dark purple color is surrounded by a gorgeous garnet ring, reflecting the 100% Cabernet fruit inside. Surprising yet delightful fragrances of earth, moss, mushroom, and bacon delight the nose. The flavor profile is signature Cabernet.

The palate is lush with plum, blackberries, clove, and fresh herbs. The finish is balanced with medium intensity, offering a plush, richness that reveals real maturity for the 2018 vintage. Enjoy with a classic juicy burger, or a Pt. Reyes blue cheese burger, Osso Bucco, cioppino or even Chicken Cacciatore.

But act fast! The 2018 Cultivar Oakville Cabernet is going fast. Click here to order!

Cheers!


December 26, 2020

Food & Wine Tips for a Festive New Years Day Brunch

  • Posted By : Cultivar Wine/
  • 0 comments /
  • Under : Food, Wine

We are full of enthusiasm and excitement for 2021! Our plan is to kick off New Years Day with the first epic brunch of the year. To start the day, we’ll take a brisk walk in the morning to get motivated and think about what the perfect kickoff brunch of 2021 will look like!

Cultivar brunch foods

At Cultivar SF, our San Francisco restaurant, we’re big fans of brunch, so we’d love to share with you some of our favorite dishes to help get your creative juices flowing. As the name suggests, brunch is like a combination of breakfast and lunch, using a mixture of ingredients we traditionally associate with one or the other. We look at brunch as a combination of light & heavy and sweet & savory. It doesn’t have to be super fancy: a Farmers Market Omelette and Applewood-Smoked Bacon with Challuah French Toast is the perfect example of something simple you can make at home.

Two people clinking wine glasses in front of the fire

But wait – every good brunch starts with Bellinis or mimosas! We love a delicious, seasonal Pomegranate Mimosa like the one pictured above, but we think our new Sparkling Wine makes an amazing Pear Mimosa. Just add 3/4-cup pear nectar to 1 bottle Cultivar Wine’s Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine and you have a slightly-sweet, delicious spin on the mimosa. And who can say no to the classic Peach Bellini? We like to make a peach puree by scratch simply peel & pit your peaches, toss them in a blender and blend until smooth (at this time of year you can use frozen peach slices) and add the chilled puree to our Sparkling Wine.

Brunch and mimosas

Here’s another example of how simple can blend with imaginative. A classic plate of Fried Eggs, Bacon and Rustic Bread paired with Polenta, Poached Egg and Shrimp. And if you’re looking for a brunch entree that warm you up and fill you up at the same time, try a Croque Madame or Huevos Rancheros. Pair that with a bottle of 2019 Cultivar Wine Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, and you’re on your way to one happy 2021!

Pasta can be the perfect brunch dish!

Pasta is also a perfect dish for brunch. It’s filling, it’s easy and above all, it’s versatile. Try a simple angel hair tossed with roma tomatoes, Caspar Estate Olive Oil, basil, capers and top it with shaved Parmesean cheese. If you’re feeling more daring, try something like this Wild Mushroom Raviloi we created at Cultivar SF. Pasta is also a perfect dish to serve for your friends who love a lighter red wine, like our Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir or even our Oak Knoll Cabernet Franc.

Pomegranate Avocado Salad with Candied Walnuts

And don’t forget the salad! Salads can even be the main course in a brunch. We think a great salad should be inspired by the seasonal fruits and vegetables available in your area. One of our favorites is this Pomegranate and Persimmon Salad with Avocado and Bleu Cheese. Mix greens, goat cheese, candied walnuts and champagne vinagrette. Candied walnuts give it an added touch of sweetness, and our 2018 Cultivar Oak Knoll Chardonnay compliments all the flavors at once.

We’d like to wish everyone a safe and happy 2021, and we hope that the New Year brings you fun, travel and more days spent with the ones you love!


December 16, 2020

Why Sparkling Wine Is The Most Versatile Wine For The Holidays

  • Posted By : Cultivar Wine/
  • 0 comments /
  • Under : Recipes, Wine

Bottle of Cultivar Sparkling WineThe Holiday Season calls for sparkling wine! Whether it’s a French Champagne, an Italian Prosecco or a delicious Napa Valley Sparkling Wine, bubbles are the go-to pour for parties, dinners and the big toast on New Year’s Eve.

As a small, sibling-owned winery, Cultivar Wine cherishes the times when our family can be together, and we’ve been proud to have our wines be a part of Holiday celebrations. That’s why it only made sense that we create a sparkling wine for the holidays. The Cultivar Wine Blanc de Noirs, Coombsville, Napa Valley, is now available in our online store in time for your celebrations!

To create our very first sparkling wine, we sourced pinot noir from vines planted in the early 1960’s in Coombsville, a beautiful sub-appellation on the southern tip of Napa cooled by the San Pablo Bay. We crafted this sparkling wine from 100% pinot noir using traditional champagne production methods. It was aged on yeast for two years and then spent another year aging in the bottle.

The result? A delightful, fine-bubbled sparkler that embraces its pinot noir heritage. The woodsy notes of earth, mushroom and fresh baked bread mingle with subtle tones of rosemary, maple and elderberry to create a wine with distinct character. We believe this makes our sparkling wine not only perfect for parties, toasts and celebrations, but to pair with your Holiday entrees as well.

In fact, a great sparkling wine may be the most versatile wine for the Holidays. Hearty, winter dishes call for a wine with enough brightness and acid to cleanse the palate, yet be light enough to enjoy through the whole meal and the whole evening. Sparkling wine is perfect for this, and makes a great accompaniment to turkey, chicken and crab (it’s crab season!) along with a wide assortment of side dishes.

And don’t forget, sparkling wine can be the foundation of some amazing and delicious Holiday cocktails! After our team tasted our new Blanc de Noirs, we decided that these four cocktails would be perfect with our new sparkling wine:

Apple Cider Mimosa

This fun take on the classic Mimosa is a perfect complement to the earthy notes of our Blanc de Noirs:

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. Cultivar Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine
• 2 oz. all-natural apple cider
• 1 oz. cinnamon whiskey
• 1 slice of apple, for garnish

Directions

Mix cider and cinnamon whiskey in a champagne flute. Top with Cultivar Blanc de Noirs, then stir lightly until incorporated. Garnish with an apple slice.

Air Mail

Sweet & savory mingle with this one, and it’s perfect with our Caspar Estate Wildflower Honey.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. golden rum
• 1/2 oz. lime juice
• 1 tsp. Caspar Estate honey
• 5 oz. Cultivar Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine

Directions:

Mix rum, lime juice, and honey thoroughly with cracked ice in a chilled cocktail shaker, then pour unstrained into a Collins glass. Fill with Cultivar Wine Blanc de Noirs.

Air Mail Sparkling Cocktail

Nora-Schlesinger

Rosemary Champagne Spritz

Rosemary simple syrup brings out the woodsy & herbaceous notes of the pinot noir grapes in this delicious recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbl. Rosemary Simple Syrup
• 3 oz. gin
• 3 oz. grapefruit juice

Directions:

Make the simple syrup by combining ½ cup sugar, ½ cup water and a small bunch or rosemary in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and then let cool. Combine a tablespoon of syrup, the gin and grapefruit juice and stir. Top with Cultivar Wine Blanc de Noirs and garnish with a rosemary sprig.

Barbotage

Cognac, Grand Marnier and Cultivar Blanc de Noirs? Now that’s a Holiday cocktail!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz. cognac
• 1 tsp. Grand Marnier
• 4 oz. sparkling wine

Directions:

Pour cognac (or another brandy) and Grand Marnier into a champagne flute. Top up with Cultivar Wine Blanc de Noirs.

Barbotage Wine Cocktail

ioan-f

However you choose to celebrate, we’re hope you’re able to do so with family, friends and loved ones, and that your New Year is happy, safe and joyous. Cheers!

Photo credits, by order: Bob McClenahan, Quinten Rude, Nora Schlesinger, ioan-f.


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